Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[My liege, Civilization V is free to play on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments The time of being born into power is coming to a close, as democracy sweeps across this world of ours. Now, if you want to be a leader of a country, you need to be smart - a student of conquest and diplomacy - and this weekend you can study up in Civilization V on Steam, free of charge.

You can install the game through Steam and play until you bring the world around to your type of thinking, up until 1pm PT on Sunday. And if you like Civilization V, it just so happens you can also purchase it at a 75% discount this weekend, which brings the price down to $7.49. A good ruler must also be able to spot a good bit of marketing. The expansion, Gods and Kings, is a little more than a month away, after all.

JoystiqMy liege, Civilization V is free to play on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5Firaxis-GamesmacpcsteamFri, 25 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dear Esther sales crash against 100,000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dear-esther-sales-crash-against-100-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dear-esther-sales-crash-against-100-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dear-esther-sales-crash-against-100-000/#comments ImageDear Esther, the atmospheric indie title from thechineseroom, has sold more than 100,000 copies, shortly following the title's launch for Mac on Steam. Developer Robert Briscoe shared the news on Dear Esther's official site:

"I have to admit I was a little unsure as to what to expect from sales of Dear Esther once we went to retail, we all were - there was no real benchmark to go by at the time, so I'm extremely pleased to see so many people enjoying the game, and most importantly, proving that gamers are open and eager to new ideas and experiences outside of the boundaries of 'traditional' gameplay. Thanks to everyone who has supported us through this journey, and who will hopefully continue to support us in the future!"

Dear Esther is half off through Thursday, May 17 in Steam's Midweek Madness sale, running just $5.

JoystiqDear Esther sales crash against 100,000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100000dear-esthermacpcsalesSTEAMthechineseroomThu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam enables remote downloads from web or mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/steam-enables-remote-downloads-from-web-or-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/steam-enables-remote-downloads-from-web-or-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/steam-enables-remote-downloads-from-web-or-mobile/#comments ImageIt's now even easier to buy too many games from Steam. Valve has implemented remote downloading, allowing you to manage your PC's Steam collection remotely, from anywhere you can access the website or mobile app.

Remote downloading lets you start a download on your computer from any of these other sources, and have them "installed and ready to play on your arrival." In other words, you can buy a game from the mobile app and have it download automatically to your home PC, or reinstall something else from your Steam collection remotely.

The Store will even ask you upon purchase if you'd like to remotely install your new game, if it notices you're shopping from away from your computer.

JoystiqSteam enables remote downloads from web or mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcremote-downloadingremote-downloadssteamWed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dear Esther comes to Mac on Steam, is half off through Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/dear-esther-comes-to-mac-on-steam-is-half-off-through-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/dear-esther-comes-to-mac-on-steam-is-half-off-through-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/dear-esther-comes-to-mac-on-steam-is-half-off-through-thursday/#comments ImageDear Esther has finally wandered across the barren PC wasteland to end up on Mac as part of the larger Steam island system. Dear Esther, developed by current Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs team thechineseroom, now supports SteamPlay and is half off for Midweek Madness, through May 17.

JoystiqDear Esther comes to Mac on Steam, is half off through Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dear-esthermacpcSTEAMSteamPlaythechineseroomTue, 15 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Knights of the Old Republic, Jedi Knight 2 now on Mac via Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/#comments ImageMay the fourteenth be with you: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast are each available on Mac and are 25 percent off on Steam today, in celebration of "May the 10 days after May the fourth be with you" day or something. Each title costs $7.50 with the sale, which ends May 21 at 10 a.m. PST.

Both games first dropped in 2003 but they hold up pretty well nine years on, especially at less than $10 -- at least they've aged better than we imagine The Old Republic will have by 2020.

JoystiqKnights of the Old Republic, Jedi Knight 2 now on Mac via Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KOTORmacpcStar-WarsStar-Wars-Jedi-Knight-2star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicSTEAMTue, 15 May 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Wallet store displays arrive at GameStop [update: It's official]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-store-displays-arrive-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-store-displays-arrive-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-store-displays-arrive-at-gamestop/#comments ImageIt looks like Steam vouchers are definitely headed to GameStop. Images sent to Joystiq by an anonymous tipster reveal an in-store display for Steam Wallet voucher cards in both $20 and $50 amounts. This bolsters the image that made the rounds last week, providing further evidence that the cards will indeed be going on sale at GameStops very soon.

The upshot of all this, of course, is that GameStop will be selling gift cards for one of its major competitors, which is especially intriguing as the company has been working to build its own digital distribution platform for several years. We've contacted GameStop and will provide updates as this story develops.

Update: GameStop has officially announced that it is indeed selling Steam Wallet cards as of ... today. They're available in $20 or $50 denominations. Full press release after the break.

Gallery: Steam Wallet cards at GameStop

Continue reading Steam Wallet store displays arrive at GameStop [update: It's official]

JoystiqSteam Wallet store displays arrive at GameStop [update: It's official] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopmacpcsteamvalveMon, 14 May 2012 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: GameStop to start selling Steam vouchers next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/report-gamestop-to-start-selling-steam-vouchers-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/report-gamestop-to-start-selling-steam-vouchers-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/report-gamestop-to-start-selling-steam-vouchers-next-week/#comments ImageGamestop will reportedly begin selling Steam gift cards next week, according to a Kotaku source. Sweetening the legitimacy of this bizarre reality, the source also snapped a photo of the packaging (pictured). The cards will allegedly go on sale starting May 15.

Valve has yet to respond to our query on the subject. Gamestop tells us: "As a rule, the company does not comment on rumor and speculation."

Although this may all seem counter-intuitive (and it is when you think about Gamestop's Impulse digital distribution system), it's more like an agreement between frenemies. Valve can make money off people who don't use credit cards or other digital purchasing options, while Gamestop keeps making crazy amounts of cash off digital products in stores.

JoystiqReport: GameStop to start selling Steam vouchers next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GamestopmacpcSteamValveThu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Botanicula puts down roots on Steam, 10% off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/botanicula-puts-down-roots-on-steam-10-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/botanicula-puts-down-roots-on-steam-10-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/botanicula-puts-down-roots-on-steam-10-off/#comments Botanicula, the latest from Machinarium developer Amanita Design, has finally planted itself on Steam for PC and Mac. In addition, those willing to snag the organic adventure before 10:00am Pacific on May 14 can do so for only $8.99, a buck off the usual $9.99 price tag. Seems only fitting that buying Botanicula should save you a little green, right?

JoystiqBotanicula puts down roots on Steam, 10% off originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanita-designbotaniculamacpcsteamMon, 07 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Binding of Isaac's Wrath of the Lamb begins May 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-binding-of-isaacs-wrath-of-the-lamb-begins-may-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-binding-of-isaacs-wrath-of-the-lamb-begins-may-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-binding-of-isaacs-wrath-of-the-lamb-begins-may-28/#comments
"Wrath of the Lamb," the enormous expansion to The Binding of Isaac, has been assigned a release date even more specific than the "late May" window it previously had: it'll be on Steam May 28, creator Edmund McMillen told Joystiq.

McMillen also reiterated his claim that Wrath will be the sole expansion for Isaac. "Development for Super Meat Boy: The Game has started full time and once it's moving I won't be looking back!" In the meantime, you should look up - at the new, terrifying trailer for Wrath of the Lamb.

JoystiqThe Binding of Isaac's Wrath of the Lamb begins May 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmund-mcmillenmacpcq2-2012release-datesteamthe-binding-of-isaacwrath-of-the-lambMon, 07 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Indie Bundle challenges your definitions, is live on Steam now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/#comments ImageThe EA Indie Bundle (yes, we assure you, it is barely-100-percent-mostly-ish possible for EA to have an indie bundle) is live on Steam, offering 70 percent off a package of six titles from four indie developers, or half off each individual game.

Included in the sale is Warp, Shank, Shank 2, DeathSpank, DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue and Gatling Gears. The DeathSpank titles are $7.50 individually and are available on PC and Mac through Steamplay, while the rest of EA's indies cost $5 and are PC only.

Indie Game Magazine first spotted the bundle in the super-secret Steam registry files this morning. The sale is now officially on, set to disappear from Steam in one week on May 9.

JoystiqEA Indie Bundle challenges your definitions, is live on Steam now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleDeathSpankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-VirtueEAElectronic-ArtsGatling-GearsHothead-GamesIndieindie-bundleklei-entertainmentmacpcsaleshankshank-2STEAMtrapdoor-incVanguard-GameswarpWed, 02 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dustforce sweeping up on Mac, discounted for a limited time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/dustforce-sweeping-up-on-mac-discounted-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/dustforce-sweeping-up-on-mac-discounted-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/dustforce-sweeping-up-on-mac-discounted-for-a-limited-time/#comments ImageDustforce, the game about evil-vanquishing janitors that would bring Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to shame, is now available on Mac. In addition, Dustforce is this week's Midweek Madness deal on Steam. You can grab it now for $5, half the usual price.

JoystiqDustforce sweeping up on Mac, discounted for a limited time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dustforcehitbox-teammacpcsteamWed, 02 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion gets Steamplay support, on limited sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/bastion-gets-steamplay-support-on-limited-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/bastion-gets-steamplay-support-on-limited-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/bastion-gets-steamplay-support-on-limited-sale/#comments Months after winning numerous end-of-year accolades, Bastion can append one more teensy triumph to the list: Steamplay support. If you purchase Supergiant's vibrant action-RPG through Steam, you'll be able to play it on PC or Mac.

Bastion is on sale for six bucks through Valve's service for a limited time (until May 3). The discount also applies to a game and soundtrack bundle, which can be had for $9.98. And if you must have a physical copy ... try Afghanistan.

JoystiqBastion gets Steamplay support, on limited sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionmacpcsteamsteamplaysupergiant-gamesTue, 01 May 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 'Perpetual Testing Initiative' DLC trailer introduces multiverse crowd-sourcing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/portal-2-perpetual-testing-initiative-dlc-trailer-introduces-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/portal-2-perpetual-testing-initiative-dlc-trailer-introduces-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/portal-2-perpetual-testing-initiative-dlc-trailer-introduces-m/#comments
One of GTTV's world exclusives during last night's broadcast was this Portal 2 trailer for the next free batch of DLC, the Perpetual Testing Initiative. The DLC allows players to create their own puzzles and publish them to Steam Workshop for others to critique and play.

The Perpetual Testing Initiative goes live on PC and Mac on May 8 - still no word on whether consoles will get this DLC, but at least we all get a humorous new trailer narrated by Cave Johnson right now.

JoystiqPortal 2 'Perpetual Testing Initiative' DLC trailer introduces multiverse crowd-sourcing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmacpcperpetual-testing-initiativeportal-2steamsteam-workshopvalveFri, 27 Apr 2012 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 puzzle editor DLC warps to PC and Mac May 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/portal-2-puzzle-creator-warps-to-pc-and-mac-may-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/portal-2-puzzle-creator-warps-to-pc-and-mac-may-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/portal-2-puzzle-creator-warps-to-pc-and-mac-may-8/#comments ImageThe "Perpetual Testing Initiative" DLC will arrive for the PC and Mac versions of Portal 2 on May 8. The free expansion will allow players to design their own puzzles, then publish them to the Steam Workshop for review and play by other players.

There's currently no word on when, or if, this content will be available on consoles. The PS3 version of the game supports Steam for multiplayer gameplay, but Steam Workshop support hasn't been announced; there's no Steam integration in the Xbox 360 version.

Continue reading Portal 2 puzzle editor DLC warps to PC and Mac May 8

JoystiqPortal 2 puzzle editor DLC warps to PC and Mac May 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmacpcperpetual-testing-initiativeportal-2release-datesteamsteam-workshopThu, 26 Apr 2012 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Serious Sam 3: BFE has an encounter with Mac today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/psa-serious-sam-3-bfe-has-an-encounter-with-mac-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/psa-serious-sam-3-bfe-has-an-encounter-with-mac-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/psa-serious-sam-3-bfe-has-an-encounter-with-mac-today/#comments Sam has traveled through time and space, and now he's traveling across platforms. Serious Sam 3: BFE is now available for download on Mac.

If you already own the game through Steam, the Steamplay functionality - which lets you play select games on both Windows and PC - is also unlocked today. If you prefer to save money on games where exploding, screaming dudes run right at you, you'll be happy to learn that Serious Sam 3: BFE is also marked down to $13.60 on Steam until April 30.

JoystiqPSA: Serious Sam 3: BFE has an encounter with Mac today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>croteamdevolver-digitalmacserious-sam-3serious-sam-3-bfesteamsteamplayMon, 23 Apr 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Definitely panic if there's caviar': A guide to working at Valve Software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/definitely-panic-if-theres-caviar-a-guide-to-working-at-valv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/definitely-panic-if-theres-caviar-a-guide-to-working-at-valv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/definitely-panic-if-theres-caviar-a-guide-to-working-at-valv/#comments Image
"If you stop on the way back from your massage to play darts or work out in the Valve gym or whatever, it's not a sign that this place is going to come crumbling down like some 1999-era dot-com start-up. If we ever institute caviar-catered lunches, though, then maybe something's wrong. Definitely panic if there's caviar."
Those few sentences, culled from page 19 of Valve Software's "Handbook for New Employees," are perfectly emblematic of the rest of the uniquely Valve book. The above illustration is pulled from early on in the handbook, where the company's much discussed "flat" hierarchy is detailed. A Valve rep confirmed the book's legitimacy to Joystiq after it leaked this weekend on Flamehaus.

Seen above everyone else, of course, is company co-founder and president Gabe Newell. But even Newell isn't beyond being overridden. "We do have a founder/president, but even he isn't your manager," the book states.

"We want innovators, and that means maintaining an environment where they'll flourish," it reads. "That's why Valve is flat. It's our shorthand way of saying that we don't have any management, and nobody 'reports to' anybody else." Bizarre? Yes. Successful? Apparently! A timeline depicting Valve's birth in 1996 shows the company's steady growth into the powerhouse it is today across a variety of projects, all the while espousing Valve's adherence to lack of structure.

Gallery: Valve Handbook for New Employees (2012)

Continue reading 'Definitely panic if there's caviar': A guide to working at Valve Software

Joystiq'Definitely panic if there's caviar': A guide to working at Valve Software originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgabe-newelliosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3steamvalvevalve-softwarexboxMon, 23 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher 1: Enhanced Edition now on OSX, Witcher 2: EE gets free backup on GOG.com]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/witcher-1-enhanced-edition-now-on-osx-witcher-2-ee-gets-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/witcher-1-enhanced-edition-now-on-osx-witcher-2-ee-gets-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/witcher-1-enhanced-edition-now-on-osx-witcher-2-ee-gets-free/#comments ImageThe Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut is now available for OSX via Steam for $9.99, CD Projekt has just announced. The port requires OSX 10.6.8 or newer, an Intel Core 2 Duo (or better) and roughly 11 gigs of free space. Since it's a SteamPlay title, users who have purchased The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut from Steam on PC will automatically receive the OSX version, and vice versa.

CD Projekt also announced that every copy of The Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition includes a complimentary, DRM-free backup copy at GOG.com, regardless of where the game is actually purchased. Said backups also include any extras that may have been included with whatever version of Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition you purchased, such as art books and soundtracks.

JoystiqWitcher 1: Enhanced Edition now on OSX, Witcher 2: EE gets free backup on GOG.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-ProjektDRM-freemacOSXpcSteamSteamPlayThe-Witcherthe-witcher-2-assassins-of-kingsthe-witcher-2-enhanced-editionthe-witcher-enhanced-editionThu, 05 Apr 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery EP coming to Steam 'before the next dark moon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/superbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-ep-coming-to-steam-before-the-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/superbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-ep-coming-to-steam-before-the-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/superbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-ep-coming-to-steam-before-the-ne/#comments Image
Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery EP is officially bringing its weird Twitter-enhanced narrative to the PC. Superbrothers Inc. reports that the new "point & click" version will be available for PC via Steam "before the next dark moon." A Mac version will follow "before the summer solstice."

If you'd like to see how the game transitions to a big, big screen and a mouse, you'll be able to try the PC port at PAX East. It's playable at the Capy booth, which is located within the Indie Megabooth.

JoystiqSuperbrothers Sword & Sworcery EP coming to Steam 'before the next dark moon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capymacpcsteamsuperbrotherssuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epTue, 03 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Frozen Synapse gets a brand new ending (for a limited time)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/frozen-synapse-gets-a-brand-new-ending-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/frozen-synapse-gets-a-brand-new-ending-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/frozen-synapse-gets-a-brand-new-ending-for-a-limited-time/#comments
No, it's not some kind of commentary on BioWare and the controversy surrounding Mass Effect 3's ending -- this is an experiment, an altered ending for Frozen Synapse that will live for a limited time. "This wasn't intended as a criticism of Bioware," Frozen Synapse developer Mode 7's Managing Director, Paul Taylor, told Joystiq. "I thought it would be interesting to take a load of fan suggestions and then just make the worst ending I could imagine; a kind of horribly self-referential meme-laden nightmare, and then just slap that on the game for a week and see if anyone cared."

One player already grabbed video of the altered ending, which you can see embedded above. "The thing that's interested me most about doing that is that people (mostly) seem to get the joke and also seem to want to use it as a starting point for a conversation about stories in games." We'll just have to take his word for it -- we'll never be smart enough to play Frozen Synapse.

JoystiqFrozen Synapse gets a brand new ending (for a limited time) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frozen-synapsemacmode-7mode-7-gamespcsteamSat, 24 Mar 2012 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizorb works its magic on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/wizorb-works-its-magic-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/wizorb-works-its-magic-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/wizorb-works-its-magic-on-steam/#comments Tribute Games, an indies studio made up of former Ubisoft and Eidos veterans, delighted everyone with its first release, Wizorb. It's been available on Xbox Live Indie Games and PC for a while now, but today you can download Wizorb on Steam.

Both Windows and Mac gamers can pick up Wizorb for 10% off until March 21 -- from then on, it'll be priced regularly at $2.99.

JoystiqWizorb works its magic on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcsteamtribute-gameswizorbWed, 14 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yep, Gabe Newell is a billionaire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/yep-gabe-newell-is-a-billionaire/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/yep-gabe-newell-is-a-billionaire/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/yep-gabe-newell-is-a-billionaire/#comments Gabe Newell has an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion, ranking 854th of the 1,226 billionaires in the world. Normally a video game exec being ranked 854th in something wouldn't matter much, but when that rank is in the "these people have at least one billion dollars" list, even the losers are news. Newell owns more than 50 percent of Valve, which has an estimated enterprise value of $3 billion -- conservatively -- meaning Newell is actually probably worth more than $1.5 billion.

If Valve begins a Kickstarter campaign for Half-Life, Portal or Left 4 Dead 3 any time soon, perhaps then outrage would be warranted.

Yeah.

JoystiqYep, Gabe Newell is a billionaire originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billionaireforbesgabe-newellmacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3STEAMvalvexboxWed, 07 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Counter-Strike: Global Offensive loses cross-play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/counter-strike-global-offensive-loses-cross-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/counter-strike-global-offensive-loses-cross-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/counter-strike-global-offensive-loses-cross-play/#comments A lot can change in six months. As of last summer, Valve had planned to offer cross-play for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on the PC, Mac, and PS3. But based on what it's learned from the beta, Valve has decided to strip the functionality in favor of offering constant updates for players on the PC and Mac.

"The beta has proved we want to update not just the beta, but the game itself post-launch frequently on the PC," Valve's Chet Faliszek revealed to Joystiq. "To do that we need to separate the platforms so one doesn't hamstring the other. So for that, we have removed the idea of cross-platform play -- essentially make all platforms stronger by not mixing them."

If you would like to get into the ongoing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive beta, fill out Valve's survey. If you want cross-play back in the game, wait to sign one of the dozens of online petitions currently being created.

JoystiqCounter-Strike: Global Offensive loses cross-play originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betachet-faliszekcounter-strike-global-offensivemacpcplaystationps3steamvalvexbox-showcase-2012Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gabe Newell on the Steam hack: 'Probable' that user information obtained]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/gabe-newell-updates-users-on-the-steam-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/gabe-newell-updates-users-on-the-steam-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/gabe-newell-updates-users-on-the-steam-hack/#comments The Steam forums and database was hacked in November, and Valve is still investigating the breach. In a new note to Steam users, Valve head Gabe Newell announced that "it is probable that the intruders obtained a copy of a backup file with information about Steam transactions between 2004 and 2008." The file contained user names and email addresses, and encrypted billing addresses and credit-card information, but it did not include passwords, Newell said.

So far there has been no evidence that credit cards or billing addresses have been compromised from the attack, but Steam users should pay close attention to their accounts and keep Steam Guard on, Newell said. Read Gabe's full update below, which has been sent to all Steam gamers as well.

Update: The headline previously included the phrases "credit card info" and "at risk," which seemed alarmist to some readers. It has been updated and glasses of warm milk passed around to everyone. Enjoy.

Continue reading Gabe Newell on the Steam hack: 'Probable' that user information obtained

JoystiqGabe Newell on the Steam hack: 'Probable' that user information obtained originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billingcredit-cardgabe-newellhackhackersmacpcSTEAMFri, 10 Feb 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Limbo now available on Mac via Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/psa-limbo-now-available-on-mac-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/psa-limbo-now-available-on-mac-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/psa-limbo-now-available-on-mac-via-steam/#comments If you've been waiting for the Mac-compatible Steam release of 2010's noir-existential platformer, Limbo, know that your wait is over.

Limbo has, of course, been available via the Mac App Store for about three weeks, but the fact that Steam's version of the title includes cross-platform SteamPlay support may have been enough to convince some people to keep their credit cards in their wallets until now. All we need are 3DS and Vita ports and we'll be able to play Limbo on virtually everything we own.

JoystiqPSA: Limbo now available on Mac via Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>limbomacmac-app-storeMicrosoft-Game-StudiosplaydeadsteamSat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dustforce cleaning out Steam's valves on Jan. 17 for PC, Mac to follow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/dustforce-cleaning-out-steams-valves-on-jan-17-for-pc-mac-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/dustforce-cleaning-out-steams-valves-on-jan-17-for-pc-mac-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/dustforce-cleaning-out-steams-valves-on-jan-17-for-pc-mac-to/#comments

The PC version of Dustforce, the sweeping side-scroller from indie studio Hitbox Team, is set to launch January 17 for $9.99 on Steam, with a Mac update to follow soon after. Dustforce has more than 50 disgusting levels for your janitor to spruce up, and will have an online leaderboard, 4-player local multiplayer modes and a soothing original soundtrack.

Dustforce received an honorable mention from the IGF for Excellence in Visual Art, so even if cleaning isn't your thing, we bet you can still enjoy some pretty, stylized gameplay.

Continue reading Dustforce cleaning out Steam's valves on Jan. 17 for PC, Mac to follow

JoystiqDustforce cleaning out Steam's valves on Jan. 17 for PC, Mac to follow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dustforcehitbox-teammacpcrelease-dateSTEAMTue, 10 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam sales increase 100 percent for the seventh straight year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/steam-sales-increase-100-percent-for-the-seventh-straight-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/steam-sales-increase-100-percent-for-the-seventh-straight-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/steam-sales-increase-100-percent-for-the-seventh-straight-year/#comments Steam now hosts more than 40 million accounts and 1,800 games, and its 2011 year-over-year sales increased 100 percent for the seventh year in a row, Valve announced today with a ridiculously smug grin on its face (we assume). During the Holiday Sale, Steam clocked more than 5 million simultaneous users -- in perspective, that's easily more people than the entire population of Norway, all on Steam at the same time.

Steam served over 780 petabytes of data to gamers in 2011, more than doubling the amount delivered in 2010, Valve reported. More than 19 million items were traded in-game, Valve president Gabe Newell said, and he promised that more free-to-play titles will be launched in 2012 to supplement the 18 Steam already hosts.

Newell hasn't forgotten about Big Picture Mode, Valve's attempt to infiltrate living rooms with a top-boxy device that will offer Steam via controller navigation on "more screens throughout the house." Newell said Valve is "preparing for the launch" of Big Picture Mode, so we're guessing we can expect to see something concrete by 2015.

Continue reading Steam sales increase 100 percent for the seventh straight year

JoystiqSteam sales increase 100 percent for the seventh straight year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011big-picturebig-picture-modegabe-newellmacpcSTEAMTeam-Fortress-2valveFri, 06 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Binding of Isaac expands with 'The Wrath of the Lamb']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-binding-of-isaac-expands-with-the-wrath-of-the-lamb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-binding-of-isaac-expands-with-the-wrath-of-the-lamb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-binding-of-isaac-expands-with-the-wrath-of-the-lamb/#comments Tired of endlessly replaying Ed McMillen's latest title, The Binding of Isaac? You probably shouldn't be, as that's kind of the point, but there's an expansion on the way should that be the case. McMillen revealed the title of the update via Twitter, naming it "The Wrath of the Lamb," and offering roughly zero details about its content. He did note that he pulled the name from the Catholic Bible's Book of Revelations, and that "whoever wrote this part of the Bible has a profoundly epic imagination."

The only info we've got so far is that it'll cost $3 and will apparently feature a whole mess of new items (over 205), including something called "trinkets" that will passively buff your character. No specific release date is given either, but it's intended to launch at some point in 2012.

JoystiqThe Binding of Isaac expands with 'The Wrath of the Lamb' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmund-mcmillenexpansionlinuxmacpcsteamthe-binding-of-isaacthe-wrath-of-the-lambThu, 05 Jan 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam's Holiday Sale discounts everything ever, gives gifts, games and coal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/steams-holiday-sale-discounts-everything-ever-gives-gifts-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/steams-holiday-sale-discounts-everything-ever-gives-gifts-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/steams-holiday-sale-discounts-everything-ever-gives-gifts-gam/#comments Well, we're all screwed. The annual Steam holiday deals have gone live, discounting ... let's just say "all the games" to be efficient, okay? All the games are discounted, as are a bunch of humongous packs which similarly include all the games, and, if that weren't enough, Steam is giving away free games to folks who play other games. Congratulations! We all get more games than any of us could ever hope to play in our lifetimes.

Those free games are earned by completing a series of in-game objectives which cycle everyday until January 1. Completing them either gets you a freebie off the "Great Gift Pile" or a lump of coal, seven of which can also be traded in for an actual gift. Alternatively, you could save your lumps up -- each counts as an entry into a Steam sweepstakes, the grand prize for which is every game on Steam ever. Seriously, that's not hyperbole. The prize is every game.

JoystiqSteam's Holiday Sale discounts everything ever, gives gifts, games and coal originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdachristmaseaholidaymacpcsteamubisoftvalveMon, 19 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion gets The Stranger's Dream DLC next week, $0 on PC, $1 on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/bastion-gets-the-strangers-dream-dlc-next-week-0-on-pc-1-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/bastion-gets-the-strangers-dream-dlc-next-week-0-on-pc-1-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/bastion-gets-the-strangers-dream-dlc-next-week-0-on-pc-1-on/#comments It looks like the folks at Supergiant Games are really getting into the holiday spirit. As "a show of thanks" to their fans, the Bastion devs are releasing The Stranger's Dream DLC on December 14, "a new fully narrated Who Knows Where sequence, bigger and more challenging than the others. You'll gain a bit more insight into Rucks' backstory as well as the history of Caelondia if you can survive this fight."

In addition to that Who Knows Where sequence - think challenge arena, if you haven't played Bastion yet - this DLC pack will enable a "Score Attack Mode" in which your combat performance is evaluated in each level, and a "No-Sweat Mode" so those of you who really stink at video games can still enjoy the narrative and aesthetic experience of playing Bastion. The catch: To access The Stranger's Dream and Score Attack Mode, you'll need to finish the game at least once; fortunately, No-Sweat Mode can help you make short work of that challenge.

The other catch: Though the update will be available for free for PC, via Steam, the Google Chrome version, or other online vendors, the Xbox Live Arcade version needs to cost something. That's Microsoft's policy, holidays be damned. So Supergiant has priced this DLC at just 80 Microsoft Points or, as you and I may call it, $1. Supergiant's Greg Kasavin said that price is "about as close as we could get" while following Microsoft's policy. We appreciate that.

JoystiqBastion gets The Stranger's Dream DLC next week, $0 on PC, $1 on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionDLCmacmicrosoftpcsteamsupergiant-gamesXBLAxboxFri, 09 Dec 2011 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Q.U.B.E. enters our space December 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/q-u-b-e-enters-our-space-december-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/q-u-b-e-enters-our-space-december-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/q-u-b-e-enters-our-space-december-16/#comments
Toxic Games will be the first to get an Indie Fund-backed game out, when its abstract first-person puzzle game Q.U.B.E. is released on December 16. It'll be available for PC on Steam, Desura, and Playism for $14.99. A Mac version will follow "shortly after PC."

Q.U.B.E. asks players to navigate a series of puzzles by manipulating colored cubes they find in the environment, all with their own unique properties. You may have played it at our last Joystiq meetup! It was the one with the cubes.

Continue reading Q.U.B.E. enters our space December 16

JoystiqQ.U.B.E. enters our space December 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>desuramacpcplayismq4-2011quberelease-datesteamtoxic-gamesFri, 02 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam grants wishes with Daily Wishlist Giveaway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/steam-grants-wishes-with-daily-wishlist-giveaway/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/steam-grants-wishes-with-daily-wishlist-giveaway/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/steam-grants-wishes-with-daily-wishlist-giveaway/#comments Steam sales are great, but even at deep discounts you still have to pay for the games you want. Valve will give a few lucky Steam users the coveted 100% discount on the games in their wishlists, with the "Daily Wishlist Giveaway."

Here's how it works: first, make sure you have at least ten games in your Steam wishlist. Then just visit the page for each day's Daily Deal -- today it's Terraria for $2.50 -- and you'll be entered. Ten people will win their top ten games every day, from today through whenever Valve decides to start its Holiday Sale. Last year, that was December 20.

JoystiqSteam grants wishes with Daily Wishlist Giveaway originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdaily-wishlist-giveawaymacpcsteamvalveThu, 01 Dec 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Royale dishes out 'The Really Big Bundle']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/indie-royale-dishes-out-the-really-big-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/indie-royale-dishes-out-the-really-big-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/indie-royale-dishes-out-the-really-big-bundle/#comments For its third offering, Indie Royale is bundling together five new games because ... hey, we're all buying stuff right now and everyone loves cheap bundles of good games. A bit of quantity and quality, you know? And the Indie Royale folks must know what they're doing -- Gamasutra reports the first two bundles have moved over 350,000 games across 70,000 total bundle sales.

Within The Really Big Bundle, you'll be able to grab headliner Really Big Sky and a pair of Zeboyd games (from the guys bringing back Penny Arcade Adventures) namely Cthulhu Saves the World and Breath of Death VII. Rounding out the final two columns in this pentagon of parsimony is Runespell: Overture and Eufloria.

JoystiqIndie Royale dishes out 'The Really Big Bundle' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breath-of-death-viicthulhu-saves-the-worldeufloriaindie-royalemacpcreally-big-skyRunespell-Overturesteamzeboyd-gamesWed, 30 Nov 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Autumn Sale adds LA Noire, Fallout: New Vegas, Monkey Island and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/steam-autumn-sale-adds-la-noire-fallout-new-vegas-monkey-isla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/steam-autumn-sale-adds-la-noire-fallout-new-vegas-monkey-isla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/steam-autumn-sale-adds-la-noire-fallout-new-vegas-monkey-isla/#comments Before you venture over to Steam's Autumn Sale page, quietly recite your honed mantra of resistance: "I do not have time to play these games. I haven't even finished Skyrim. All these small charges add up in the long run."

Alright, now that you've done that and shown yourself a vague, minute attempt at adhering to frugality, you'll feel less guilty when you buy everything. L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition wants $24.99, Fallout: New Vegas is five bucks and the Monkey Island Special Edition bundle is cut down to $5.09.

ACE Team's bizarro brawler, Zeno Clash, enters the sale at $3.74, and topsy-turvy adventure VVVVVV costs $1.24 until tomorrow afternoon. That's less than 21 cents per V.

JoystiqSteam Autumn Sale adds LA Noire, Fallout: New Vegas, Monkey Island and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fallout-new-vegasla-noire-the-complete-editionmacmonkey-islandpcsteamsteam-autumn-salevvvvvvzeno-clashThu, 24 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trine 2 co-op works cross-platform, from PC to Mac, available now in beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/trine-2-co-op-works-cross-platform-from-pc-to-mac-available-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/trine-2-co-op-works-cross-platform-from-pc-to-mac-available-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/trine-2-co-op-works-cross-platform-from-pc-to-mac-available-no/#comments Finnish developer Frozenbyte has announced that its upcoming cooperative platform puzzler Trine 2 will support cross-platform multiplayer across PC and Mac, courtesy of Valve's Steam Play framework. The ongoing beta is also now available for Mac, meaning would-be cross-platformers can test out the new feature immediately ... that is, if you pre-purchased the title.

Note: While Trine 2 will also be available via just about every method of digital distribution known to man - including GamersGate, Direct2Drive, the Mac App Store, Xbox Live Arcade, and PlayStation Network - only the Steam PC and Mac releases will support cross-platform play. Sorry, Xbox players won't be buddying up with PS3 players. The release is still a vague "later in 2011" and if our Finnish Indie Dev Hunks calendar is accurate, there isn't much of 2011 left.

Continue reading Trine 2 co-op works cross-platform, from PC to Mac, available now in beta

JoystiqTrine 2 co-op works cross-platform, from PC to Mac, available now in beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluscross-platformFrozenbytemacpcsteamsteam-playtrine-2Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Meat Boy gets Steam-sponsored bundle, new content and Mac version coming this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/super-meat-boy-gets-steam-sponsored-bundle-new-content-and-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/super-meat-boy-gets-steam-sponsored-bundle-new-content-and-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/super-meat-boy-gets-steam-sponsored-bundle-new-content-and-mac/#comments As if you didn't already have enough to play this holiday season, Steam is offering up a special anniversary bundle to celebrate Super Meat Boy's first birthday. By laying down $24.99 anytime from now until November 21, you get a bundle with some of the best Steam games of the last few years, everything from Half-Life 2 to the Bit.Trip titles, Braid, Machinarium, World of Goo, Gish, VVVVVV, and Super Meat Boy itself. There are also soundtracks included in the bundle for Super Meat Boy, Braid, Machinarium, Bit.Trip Beat, and Bit.Trip Runner. Super Meat Boy by its lonesome is 50% off as well.

And even if you already own all of those games (and let's be honest -- after all of these Steam sales, we probably all do), this coming Saturday Team Meat will finally unlock "Super Meat World" for all players who have ever owned the game, bringing in tons and tons of user-created levels to play. The Mac version of the game is getting released as well, which means anyone who's ever bought the game on Steam will have access to that port too.

In other words, if you've ever wanted to play Super Meat Boy on a computer, now's your chance, and if you already own it you're getting a whole lot of new content. Thanks a lot, Team Meat. We'll never get all of these games finished now.

JoystiqSuper Meat Boy gets Steam-sponsored bundle, new content and Mac version coming this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecontentmacpcsteamsuper-meat-boysuper-meat-worldThu, 17 Nov 2011 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Limbo celebrates one million in sales with Mac OS release by 'end of the year']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/limbo-celebrates-one-million-in-sales-with-mac-os-release-by-en/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/limbo-celebrates-one-million-in-sales-with-mac-os-release-by-en/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/limbo-celebrates-one-million-in-sales-with-mac-os-release-by-en/#comments After a half-price XBLA sale sent the excellent indie Limbo to the top of the best-sellers list last week, developer Playdead has announced that it's sold one million copies of the punishing platformer across three platforms, including PSN and PC. To celebrate that milestone, Playdead is adding an additional platform to the mix: Mac OS.

The Mac release is currently "in the works" and "will be released before the end of the year." Playdead CEO and co-founder Dino Patti told Joystiq that the Mac release will support SteamPlay, for those of you who've already purchased the PC release, and will also be released on the Mac App Store, if that's more your speed.

The one million milestone also provided Playdead an opportunity to discuss its recent actions to ensure its own independence by "fully acquiring the company from early investors." Patti says, "We are grateful to everyone who supported us over the past few years, and look forward to forging new partnerships that will both let us reach new heights as a studio and give our director, Arnt Jensen, room to grow creatively."

Continue reading Limbo celebrates one million in sales with Mac OS release by 'end of the year'

JoystiqLimbo celebrates one million in sales with Mac OS release by 'end of the year' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dino-pattilimbomacmicrosoftplaydeadplaystationps3salessteamsteamplayxboxThu, 10 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Steam user forums hacked, taken offline]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/report-steam-user-forums-hacked-taken-offline/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/report-steam-user-forums-hacked-taken-offline/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/report-steam-user-forums-hacked-taken-offline/#comments Unsatisfied with merely enabling cheating in Steam games with unauthorized code, it would appear that a group called FknOwned took its hackery a step further, hacking the Steam user forum to insert an ad for its own site, which promises hacks, along with "general discussion sections, hacking tutorials and tools, porn, free giveaways and much more." NeoGAF user imek reported that the same message came in as an email from Steam.

We say "it would appear" because we didn't witness the hack for ourselves; rather than allow a hacking site to advertise itself prominently, Valve has taken the forums down "for maintenance."

JoystiqReport: Steam user forums hacked, taken offline originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forumshackingmacpcsteamsteam-user-forumvalveMon, 07 Nov 2011 10:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Great Scott! Back to the Future for $10 on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/great-scott-back-to-the-future-for-10-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/great-scott-back-to-the-future-for-10-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/great-scott-back-to-the-future-for-10-on-steam/#comments Great Scott!
It appears our timeline has been skewed, as Steam is currently offering the first season of Back to the Future for only $10. It's not clear what caused this temporal shift, though Steam plans to correct it (i.e. the sale will end) this Thursday at 4pm specific. We assume lightning will be involved.

Continue reading Great Scott! Back to the Future for $10 on Steam

JoystiqGreat Scott! Back to the Future for $10 on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-the-futuremacpcsteamtelltaleWed, 26 Oct 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve has no idea why almost 30 percent of TF2 players spend cash in the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/valve-has-no-idea-why-almost-30-percent-of-tf2-players-spend-cas/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/valve-has-no-idea-why-almost-30-percent-of-tf2-players-spend-cas/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/valve-has-no-idea-why-almost-30-percent-of-tf2-players-spend-cas/#comments "We don't understand what's going on," said Valve co-founder Gabe Newell, during last week's WTIA TechNW panel in Seattle. According to Newell, 20 to 30 percent of the people who play Team Fortress 2 end up spending money on the title's various microtransactions, far beyond the average two to three percent "conversion" Valve's partners are reporting.

"There seems to be something about the content that significantly changes how your monetization occurs, with apparently much broader participation than you would see out of something like FarmVille." When Team Fortress 2 relaunched as a free-to-play title back in June, the title's user base increased by "a factor of 5," which Newell attributes to TF2's designation as "free-to-play" rather than simply free: "You have to start thinking about how value creation actually occurs, and what it is that people are valuing, and what the statement that something is free-to-play implies about the future value of the experience that they're going to have."

Hey Valve, wanna know the secret? It's the hats. People love hats.

JoystiqValve has no idea why almost 30 percent of TF2 players spend cash in the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newellmacMicrotransactionsmoneypcsteamteam-fortressTeam-Fortress-2valveTue, 25 Oct 2011 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve and Xsolla set up more than 450,000 cash kiosks in Russia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/valve-and-xsolla-set-up-more-than-450-000-cash-kiosks-in-russia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/valve-and-xsolla-set-up-more-than-450-000-cash-kiosks-in-russia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/valve-and-xsolla-set-up-more-than-450-000-cash-kiosks-in-russia/#comments Valve recently embraced the Russian Ruble to make Steam transactions easier for its Russian customers -- while this may have made it easier for Russian gamers to see how much things cost, that didn't mean it was any easier to buy said things, as much of the country uses cash. Unwilling to block an entire market from spending its money, Valve has teamed with Xsolla, a game-monetization company, to establish more than 450,000 cash kiosks in Russia, where users can add cash directly to their Steam Wallets.

It's nice of companies to make spending money on their products so easy -- it's almost like charity work. Almost.

JoystiqValve and Xsolla set up more than 450,000 cash kiosks in Russia originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-kioskkioskL4DLeft-4-DeadmacpcrublesrussiaSTEAMvalveXsollaSun, 23 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST